Speed skating has inherent risks and safety is the Club’s priority. The SLSSC is committed to providing a safe environment for all those who go on the ice. We do this by following Speed Skating Canada’s mandatory gear and equipment list (including personal items such as helmets and on-ice protective equipment such as mats); by setting appropriate skater/helper ratios and on-ice numbers; and by assessing skaters in the event of a fall and working with families to decide on an appropriate course of action if there is an injury.

1. Prevention – Protective Equipment

Please review this Protective Equipment list. The list outlines the required protective equipment for each group. Parents are responsible to ensure that their skaters have and are wearing proper equipment—and are wearing it properly—prior to going onto the ice. If equipment has been left at home or lost, please notify the coach as they will try to locate some so the skater can still participate in the practice. If a skater is missing protective equipment, the coach will ask the skater to leave the ice until the proper equipment is worn.

2. See something? Say something!

Coaches, officials and medical personnel at meets take falls and concussions seriously but may not always see an accident occur—or may not realize that it was more serious than it appeared. All club members are asked to share responsibility for ensuring that any fall resulting in injury at practices and meets is reported to the Group Coach and Director of Coaching. Parents and/or spectators may be the only ones who witness or hear about a fall from their athlete and are essential partners in alerting coaches and providing details. If a spectator is unsure whether a coach has seen a fall, please discuss it with them to ensure the coach and the parents have all the information needed to assess the athlete and inform the athlete’s family.

3. Concussions

SLSSC recognizes the potential impact that falls can have on skaters—including the risk of concussion. Concussions are a special category of injury in that they are difficult to detect and treat, and they can have significant long-term, life-changing effects. When in doubt, we err on the side of caution in following this Concussion RTP Protocol, which governs return to play.

Periodic Concussion Education seminars are arranged by the SLSSC to inform families about signs and symptoms of a concussion.

Click here for ‘A Concussion Guide for Parents and Caregivers’.